Problems with potholes failed to deter the 1,200 cyclists who took part in the St Albans charity cycle ride (SACCR) last weekend.

Organisers told Ringway, the county council’s highways contractor, portions of Nashes Farm Lane had been “gauged” out.

Yet they claim Ringway said the problem was low priority and would not be fixed before the event, despite the dangers this posed to participating cyclists.

Ringway divisional manager Kevin Carroll said: “Ringway has inspected Nashes Farm Lane and no defects meet the county council levels required to be considered in need of urgent repair.

“Plans are in place to reconstruct this and carry out localised drainage maintenance during this financial year.”

In spite of this, 564 riders rode 40 miles in brilliant sunshine on Sunday, while 365 attempted the 30 mile route.

In addition, 173 people undertook the 20 mile course, and 183 undertook the 10 mile ride.

This included the Ware family, made up of eight year old Hugo, dad Chris, and 77 year old grandfather Peter Wares, a former cycling campaigner on his first SACCR.

Peter said: “The idea was I was going to accompany my grandson and get him interested in cycling.

“It was a wonderful day and I was really impressed.

“I have often tried to stay away from charity cycling rides, but this was very pleasant.”

Mr Wares said he was probably going to do it again next year.

The event was held in support of three local charities: Herts Action on Disability (HAD), Youth Talk, and Home-Start.

HAD’s Paul Bishop said: “I first took part in this event in 2009 and, along with my cycling buddy Matt Smith, have been a regular ever since.

“The Rotary Club has been very supportive of HAD. This year is the second time the charity has been a chosen charity.

“The event is also great fun, has a superb family-friendly route, and is very well run by the huge team of volunteers.”

Paul thanked the 20-strong ‘We’ve HAD It’ team for their work, especially Giles Herman, who recruited several people from Harpenden tennis club.